A ROMSEY bridal shop, damaged by window-smashing vandals, is back open and the owner said the experience has only made her more determined.

The award-winning Romsey Bridal Boutique had two windows broken and the shop was wreaked by terrible weather.

Owner Tara Stuart, 53, was notified on the morning of Saturday, January 4 that her shop had been targeted overnight.

Tara said: "We've got through harder things and we always find a way to come through the other side. It only makes me more determined to give exceptional service.

Romsey Bridal Boutique's broken windows (Image: Tara Stuart) "As I said, I feel angry that [...] the mindless vandalism is unnecessary and people don't appreciate the money, the time, the cost of business and heartache.

"It's done now and we can move forward - it makes you realise why you do what you do."

On Sunday, January 5, the business owner released pictures of the criminal damage and said it was "heartbreaking" to see the mindless damage done to her shop.

Tara said the ordeal caused her faith in Romsey's community to wobble, but it quickly rallied in support.

She reopened the bridal boutique's doors on Wednesday, January 8. Users praised the shop in responses to a Facebook post announcing the reopening the day before.

One user said: "I’m so invested in your salon (you helped me find my dress) and have never been lol I’m happy everything worked out and you were able to reopen!"

Another user said: "That’s a horrible thing to happen to your lovely shop. Mindless vandals. Make me so cross. Glad you got it all cleaned up."

Tara said the first day back had been a success. She said: "It's lovely to be back, we had a good day in the boutique helping lovely brides find their dresses.

The entrepreneur said business was back to normal at the award-winning bridal shop but January will be busy.

She said: "We have our new collection of dresses coming in the next couple of weeks and I will be holding a VIP event."

As well as the new collection, there will be a sale, the boutique's biggest ever, which it is holding at Chilworth Manor with Alresford's Olivia George Bridal on Sunday, January 26.